ERADICATION OF POLIO WORLDWIDE

That this House believes that the UK should maintain its leadership role in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative by urging the G8 and the global community to provide the funds needed, and by committing at least £238 million over the next six years in order to eradicate the disease in the three countries, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan, where it remains endemic, and to protect countries at risk from importation; notes that over £600 million has so far been contributed by the UK towards a polio-free world; and further notes that investment in a polio-free world is targeted, finite and represents good value for money, with the historic partnership between Rotary International, the World Health Organisation, UNICEF and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reducing polio cases by 99 per cent worldwide.